Vintage Old Kraftsman Registered Supreme - USA 1937

It's quite rare to come across instruments bearing the "Old Kraftsman" brand that were actually manufactured by Gibson, as the majority were produced by Kay. However, Gibson did indeed craft these models for a brief period spanning two years, specifically between 1936 and 1937, and this lovely specimen is a great example.

This guitar was designed to be the pinnacle offering in the Spiegel mail order catalog, labeled as the Old Kraftsman acoustic archtop and retailed at $44.95. This exquisite model boasts a meticulously hand-carved Adirondack spruce top, complemented by sides and back of curly maple, encapsulated in a sunburst finish that was painstakingly hand-rubbed and polished to perfection. Its aesthetic is further enhanced by genuine mother-of-pearl inlays, a rosewood fingerboard, and distinctive checkerboard celluloid binding. It is noteworthy that this model shares its specifications with the Recording King Model 1285, which was eventually succeeded by the more renowned M-5 model.

The instrument delivers an exceptional playing experience, producing a robust and full sound that magnificently handles vigorous playing styles. This particular guitar is parallel braced, with the braces meticulously carved to optimise sound quality. It remarkably embodies the quintessential 16-inch Gibson sound of the early 1930s, rivaling even the esteemed models of the 1920s. It offers an accessible means to capture the coveted Gibson tonal legacy at a fraction of the cost of similar Gibson-branded instruments, thanks to the craftsmanship of the same skilled artisans.

Over the years, this guitar has seen the loss of its original celluloid pickguard, and its bridge has been substituted. However, it retains its original finish, tuners, and tailpiece in good condition. There is a minor, stable crack on the top, extending from the bass side f-hole towards the neck, which has been securely glued and does not compromise the guitar's structural integrity or sound quality. Apart from this, the guitar remains remarkably free of cracks or significant damage.

This guitar not only stands as a testament to Gibson's legacy of crafting superior musical instruments but also as a piece of history, embodying the craftsmanship and aesthetic standards of its time.

Comes in a relatively new, non-original Gator hardshell case.

Specs:

Action at 1st fret: 0.75mm 

Action at 12th fret: 2.25mm

Neck depth at 1st fret: 26.35mm

Nut Width: 44.9mm 

12 fret width: 55.32mm

Weight: 2.22kg / 4.91lb

Body type: Hollow body 

Width: 405mm / 16"  

Top: Material: Adirondack Spruce 

Binding: Cream Checkerboard

Body Material: Curly Maple 

Fretboard Material: Rosewood 

Neck joint: Set-in

Neck Profile: 'V'

Bridge: Replaced

Tailpiece: Original 

Pickguard: Replacement Tortoiseshell

Fingerboard inlays: Mother of Pearl 

Frets: 19